Revelation and Scripture

Abstract

The doctrines of revelation and Scripture play an important role in Karl Barth’s theology. Barth develops his theology of revelation and Scripture in the form of an exposition of the threefold form of the Word of God (revelation, Scripture, proclamation) and in close association with other doctrines, especially the doctrine of the Trinity, Christology, and pneumatology. Barth characterizes revelation as the noetic corollary of God’s presence and activity, and Scripture as a witness to this presence and activity, which is engendered by revelation itself. Revelation genuinely reveals who God is and constitutes binding knowledge regarding God’s eternal life, being, and activity. Consideration is also given to Barth’s rejection of natural theology and to some common criticisms of Barth’s doctrine of Scripture.